Search Results (285)

Continuous paddy reclamation is a promising strategy for restoring sodic lands, yet the exact mechanisms driving soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization remain insufficiently quantified. Here, we investigated SOC dynamics across a 12-year rice cultivation chronosequence (0, 2, 5, 10, and 12 years) at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths in western Jilin Province, China. Successive rice cultivation progressively alleviated saline–alkaline stress, with electrical conductivity (EC) decreasing by 70.11% in topsoil after 12 years, establishing a stabilized soil environment by years 10–12. Concurrently, topsoil SOC and total nitrogen (TN) increased by 63.09% and 26.02%, respectively. This physicochemical amelioration triggered a directional carbon transformation: while particulate organic carbon (POC) accumulated in early stages, mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) dominated medium-term storage, expanding by 147.12% in topsoil and elevating its share of SOC. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed a shift toward molecular structural persistence, marked by increased aromaticity and hydrophobicity. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) demonstrated that cultivation duration directly drove soil stability (β = 0.94, p < 0.001), operating through a hierarchical cascade where management-induced stress reduction enhanced soil enzyme activity and microbial processing, thereby accelerating the conversion of labile plant inputs into mineral-protected MAOC. Overall, this study quantifies the pivotal role of paddy management in driving organo-mineral protection and chemical persistence, providing a mechanistic framework for carbon sequestration in degraded agroecosystems. Full article

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is highly expressed in keratinocytes and functions as an environmental sensor regulating xenobiotic metabolism, epidermal differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Particulate matter (PM), a major environmental pollutant containing reactive oxygen species (ROS), transition metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), induces oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to skin barrier dysfunction. Transition metals generate ROS via Fenton-type reactions, whereas PAHs undergo AhR-mediated metabolism that further amplifies oxidative stress. Excessive ROS promotes inflammatory cytokine expression and disrupts barrier-related protein expression. In response, activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway induces antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), to counteract oxidative damage. However, sustained PM exposure may overwhelm these defense mechanisms, resulting in impaired cellular homeostasis. Although the roles of AhR and Nrf2 have been extensively investigated individually, their coordinated regulation in PM-induced skin injury remains underexplored. This review summarizes current evidence on the functional interplay between AhR and Nrf2 and discusses how coordinated activation of these pathways integrates xenobiotic metabolism, antioxidant defense, and barrier-associated functions. Overall, the available evidence supports a dual-pathway framework for maintaining epidermal homeostasis under PM-induced environmental stress. Full article

Hair follicle homeostasis is influenced by hormonal pathways, the scalp microenvironment, and environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and oxidative stress. Elissara^®, a polyphenol-enriched botanical ingredient, has shown benefits for scalp moisturization, barrier function, sebum regulation, and redness. Building on these scalp-level benefits, we investigated Elissara’s effects on follicular signaling, survival-associated biomarkers, oxidative damage, and androgen-related pathways as potential contributors to follicular health, using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo models. Molecular docking (AutoDock Vina) of the main Elissara bioactives (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, carnosic acid, carnosol, and quercetin) identified SRD5A2 as a favorable predicted target, with individual binding energies ranging from −8.70 to −9.73 kcal/mol, approaching finasteride/dutasteride reference values. As an exploratory approach, simultaneous multi-ligand docking showed favorable global docking outputs for several targets, indicating that multiple bioactives could be structurally accommodated within complementary regions of the binding site. In human follicle dermal papilla cells, Elissara significantly increased BrdU incorporation to 245.70% of control at 0.002% and reduced SRD5A2 protein levels by 18.48% at 0.006%. In human scalp explants, Elissara at 200 µg/mL increased β-catenin, Bcl-2, and collagen IV under basal conditions and counteracted acute PM_2.5/UVA-induced alterations in β-catenin, Ki67-positive cells, Bcl-2, IGF-1, collagen IV, and protein carbonylation. Together, these findings support the potential of Elissara as a promising nutricosmetic ingredient for supporting follicular resilience through multiple follicle-relevant pathways. Clinical studies assessing hair growth outcomes are needed to determine whether these preclinical findings translate into measurable benefits. Full article

(1) Background: Airports workers are exposed to a mixture of airborne pollutants generated by aircraft operations, ground support equipment, road traffic, and indoor microenvironments. Indoor air quality, influenced by outdoor pollutant and ventilation dynamics, represents an important, but overlooked determinant of occupational exposure. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM) can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and xenobiotic responses, affecting not only the respiratory system, but also other organs. (2) Methods: This review examines the health effects of occupational exposure among airport workers, with emphasis on indoor air pollution besides aircraft engine emissions. Studies addressing exposure characterization, biological effects, biomarkers, and risk management strategies were critically evaluated. (3) Results: Occupational exposure is driven by both combustion-derived pollutants and indoor–outdoor air exchange processes. Ultrafine particles, black carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and trace metals contribute to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and xenobiotic pathway activation. Monitoring indoor microclimatic parameters, including temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity, may facilitate the identification of event-related deterioration in indoor air quality. (4) Conclusions: Indoor air pollution should be recognized as a key component of airport occupational exposure. Integrating indoor/outdoor air quality monitoring and biomarker-based surveillance may improve risk assessment and support more effective protection of airport workers, while advanced predictive tools, including AI-based exposure modelling, represent a promising direction that still requires dedicated validation. Full article

Alternating brackish–freshwater irrigation is a promising strategy for improving the utilization of marginal water resources in arid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production; however, its effectiveness is often limited by salt-induced physicochemical stresses, including sodium-induced soil structural degradation, osmotic stress, and reduced rhizosphere biological activity. This study investigated whether the combined application of microbial inoculant and polyacrylamide (PAM) could enhance root-zone functioning and plant performance under alternating brackish–freshwater irrigation. A controlled greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with five treatments, including conventional irrigation (CI), alternating irrigation (AI), AI combined with microbial inoculant (AI + B), AI combined with PAM (AI + PAM), and AI combined with microbial inoculant and PAM (AI + B + PAM). Soil water–salt conditions, physical properties, nutrient availability, microbial activity, root growth, and plant nutrient uptake were determined, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was used to evaluate soil–root–plant interactions. Alternating irrigation reduced soil salinity and sodium accumulation compared with conventional irrigation, with electrical conductivity of the 1:5 soil–water extract (EC_1:5), Na⁺, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) decreasing by 14.68%, 16.21%, and 14.27%, respectively; under AI conditions, PAM increased water-stable aggregates by 22.54%, while microbial inoculant increased microbial biomass carbon by 33.47%. The combined AI + B + PAM treatment produced the greatest improvement in plant performance, increasing biomass, N uptake, P uptake, and K uptake by 28.79%, 47.37%, 48.00%, and 60.80%, respectively, compared with AI alone. PLS-PM supported a hypothesized pathway in which PAM-associated physical conditioning and microbial inoculant-mediated biochemical activation converged on root development, which was positively linked to nutrient acquisition and plant growth. These findings indicate that integrating microbial inoculant with PAM has potential to enhance root-zone resilience and cotton growth under alternating brackish–freshwater irrigation conditions, providing insights for the development of amendment strategies in saline soils. Further field validation is required before broader agricultural application. Full article

Aluminum alloy capsules play a critical role in shape control, heat transfer, and pressure transmission during the PM-HIP sintering of Al-based powders. As the weakest part of the capsule, the reliability of the welded joint is crucial for the safe operation of the HIP process and the quality of the final product. This study investigated the effects of two typical HIP temperatures on the evolution of second phases and texture. The results show that: (1) At 400 °C, suppressed Si diffusion retains a continuous, low-melting-point Al-Si eutectic network and needle-like secondary phases in the weld zone, thereby impeding residual stress relief. Compositional segregation in the heat-affected zone weakens grain boundary stability. The texture undergoes only limited recovery, with a strong <100> orientation retained and micro-strain not effectively relieved, restricting joint ductility. (2) At 510 °C, Si is sufficiently spheroidized, forming a bead-like structure. Needle-like second phases transform into globular/short-rod morphologies, disrupting the continuity of the brittle phases. Simultaneously, complete recrystallization is induced, resulting in a randomized texture and significant release of micro-strain, thereby improving microstructural homogeneity and plastic deformation capacity. This study suggests that the internal stress concentration arising from the low-melting-point eutectic phase and strong texture poses a failure risk for the capsule. Therefore, employing the 510 °C HIP process to achieve second-phase spheroidization and texture weakening can significantly mitigate this failure risk. Full article

Temozolomide (TMZ) remains the cornerstone of chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma (GBM), yet intrinsic and acquired resistance severely limits its clinical benefit. While O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)–mediated repair of TMZ-induced O6-methylguanine (O⁶-meG) lesions has been extensively studied, the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of TMZ cytotoxicity. Canonical MMR, mediated by MutSα (MSH2–MSH6) and MutLα (MLH1–PMS2) complexes, recognizes O⁶-meG: thymine mispairs generated during replication and initiates futile repair cycles that culminate in replication stress, replication fork collapse, and apoptotic signaling; intact canonical MMR is, therefore, required for TMZ-induced cell death. Disruption of canonical MMR, frequently via acquired MSH6 mutations, confers TMZ tolerance and drives hypermutated recurrent GBM. Beyond mismatch correction, MMR proteins perform non-canonical functions in DNA damage signaling, replication stress responses, transcriptional regulation, chromatin dynamics, and immune modulation. These activities may shift the outcome from cytotoxic futile repair toward replication stress adaptation, Translesion synthesis (TLS)-mediated lesion tolerance, immune remodeling, and therapeutic resistance. Notably, partial attenuation or functional diversion of MMR may decouple lesion recognition from cytotoxic signaling, enabling TLS-mediated lesion tolerance without complete loss of MMR activity. This review integrates current insights into canonical and non-canonical MMR functions in GBM, defines their distinct contributions to TMZ sensitivity and resistance, and highlights therapeutic opportunities to exploit MMR-associated dependencies, including synthetic lethal strategies and immunotherapeutic vulnerabilities linked to MMR deficiency-driven hypermutation. Full article

To address the demand for early hydrogen monitoring in power equipment insulation systems, a fiber-optic Fabry–Perot (F-P) hydrogen sensor based on a Pd–Cu alloy microcantilever is proposed. The microcantilever serves as the force-sensitive structure, with a Pd–Cu alloy film deposited as the hydrogen-sensitive layer and an Au reflective layer introduced to enhance optical reflection and suppress thermal drift. Hydrogen absorption induces volume expansion of the Pd–Cu film, causing cantilever bending and a consequent variation in the F-P cavity length, which leads to a shift in the characteristic wavelength of the reflected spectrum and enables wavelength-demodulated hydrogen detection. Finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the stress distribution and displacement response, confirming the effective amplification effect of the microcantilever structure. Sensor fabrication, packaging, and hydrogen response experiments were subsequently carried out. The results show a good linear response in the hydrogen concentration range of 0–300 ppm, with a wavelength sensitivity of approximately 20.8 pm/ppm and a limit of detection of 3.24 ppm. In a 24 h stability test, the baseline fluctuation standard deviation was 22.46 pm, indicating good stability and repeatable sensing performance. Temperature variation produced a wavelength sensitivity of approximately 0.2734 nm/°C, and environmental condition tests further demonstrated stable operation under temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic disturbances. The proposed sensor exhibits immunity to electromagnetic interference, intrinsic safety, and compatibility with miniaturized integration, showing promising potential for low-concentration hydrogen monitoring in power equipment. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally characterized by the extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques and the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles; however, the prevailing scientific paradigm has shifted toward an integrative model of pathogenesis that recognizes neuroinflammation as a critical, self-perpetuating driver of cognitive attrition. This multifaceted interplay is mediated by the brain–body axis, wherein chronic systemic inflammation—stemming from metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, or environmental stressors such as fine particulate matter PM_2.5—compromises the structural integrity of the blood–brain barrier. Such environmental insults serve as priming agents for the innate immune system, shifting peripheral immune populations toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype that is further exacerbated by the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) through oxidative stress-induced pseudohypoxia, even under normoxic conditions. The subsequent activation of microglia and astrocytes transitions the cerebral microenvironment from a homeostatic, neurosupportive state into a neurotoxic milieu that actively promotes synaptic loss and neuronal death. Consequently, contemporary research has pivoted from broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory interventions toward targeted immune modulation, emphasizing that a comprehensive understanding of how systemic dysfunction perpetuates neuroinflammatory cascades is essential for developing efficacious therapies capable of attenuating AD progression and mitigating its global health burden. Full article

Microbial reduction of soluble selenium oxyanions is a sustainable strategy for remediating selenium-contaminated environments, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying selenite tolerance in the genus Rhodococcus remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the proteomic adaptation of the highly tolerant strain Rhodococcus qingshengii PM1 under high-concentration selenite stress (50 mM Na₂SeO₃) using a data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based quantitative proteomics approach. A total of 3335 proteins were identified, and 3310 proteins were retained for downstream analysis. Comparative proteomics revealed 1411 differentially expressed proteins, including 972 upregulated and 439 downregulated proteins in the selenite-treated group. These changes indicate extensive systems-level proteomic reprogramming and support a growth–defense trade-off strategy. Strain PM1 strongly upregulated ferredoxin and multiple respiratory-chain- and oxidoreductase-associated proteins, suggesting a ferredoxin-associated electron-transfer network that may contribute to Se(IV) transformation and intracellular redox adjustment. In parallel, proteins involved in sulfur assimilation, cysteine/methionine and selenocompound metabolism, ergothioneine biosynthesis, GSH-associated metabolism, Trx/MSH thiol-redox systems, peroxidase/Ohr-Prx detoxification, metalloid/oxyanion resistance, urease-associated pH adaptation, DNA repair, and cell-envelope remodeling were induced, indicating activation of multilayered defense and homeostasis mechanisms. Conversely, proteins associated with central carbon metabolism, carbohydrate uptake, and ribosome-dependent translation were repressed, suggesting reduced growth investment and energy conservation under severe selenite pressure. Overall, this study provides a systems-level proteomic framework for understanding Se(IV) resistance in R. qingshengii PM1 and identifies candidate targets for future functional validation, strain engineering, and selenium/metal(loid) bioremediation. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major toxic organic constituents attached to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute substantially to PM2.5-associated oxidative stress and respiratory toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extracts against PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells (RPMI 2650). Shallot extracts were prepared using various extraction techniques and assessed for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Among the extracts evaluated, the supercritical fluid extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory property, whereas the ethanolic extract (EtOH) exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and was therefore selected for subsequent investigations. HPLC analysis of the EtOH extract identified quercetin and gallic acid as major phenolic constituents. Exposure of RPMI-2650 cells to PAHs (0.25 μg/mL) significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation while reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, indicating oxidative stress induction. Cotreatment with the ethanolic extract (1.25–5 μg/mL) effectively mitigated these effects by reducing ROS generation, suppressing lipid peroxidation, and restoring SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. These protective effects are attributed to the antioxidant phytochemicals present in shallot, particularly quercetin. Collectively, these findings indicate that shallot extracts attenuate PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells. Full article

Chiang Mai, Thailand, experiences seasonal fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution associated with metabolic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This prospective observational study compared plasma metabolomes of 25 healthy adults in Samoeng District, a highly affected area, between low and high PM_2.5 exposure seasons using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. Twenty-six metabolites differentiating haze and non-haze seasons were identified using PLS-DA (VIP > 1.5). During the haze season, 11 were elevated, whereas 15 were decreased. Among the elevated metabolites, the top five—maleylacetoacetic acid, deoxyribose 5-phosphate, betaine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and 1-methyladenosine—were associated with inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide inhibition, and altered amino acid metabolism. The top five decreased metabolites—deoxyguanosine, D-arabitol, glycerophosphocholine, ophthalmic acid, and oxaloacetic acid—were involved in several metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in energy metabolism. A total of 56 metabolic pathways were altered by high PM_2.5 exposure, including pathways related to amino acids, lipids, sugars, nucleotides, vitamins, and energy metabolism. High PM_2.5 exposure disrupts metabolites and pathways, inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired lipid/energy metabolism, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. These alterations may increase the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, with dysregulated metabolites serving as potential biomarkers. These findings highlight the molecular impact of air pollution in affected populations and may support preventive strategies and public health policy development in affected regions. Further studies are needed to clarify these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) containing bacterial endotoxins triggers inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory epithelium. In this study, we investigated chitosan nanoparticle-loaded Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GCN) as a potential functional food-derived ingredient against PM- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular damage in human lung epithelial cells. Methods: This study employed an integrative approach combining GCN analysis with bioinformatics methods using a PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary cellular inflammation model. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic datasets and Cytoscape-based network analysis were utilized to identify key hub genes and signaling pathways associated with PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, which were subsequently validated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Nano-encapsulation significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and storage stability of the extract compared with non-encapsulated Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC). GCN markedly attenuated PM- and LPS-induced cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a therapeutic index approximately 4.5-fold higher than that of GRC under PM and LPS co-exposure. Bioinformatics analysis identified inflammation-related genes and pathways associated with PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary responses, primarily enriched in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related inflammatory pathways, Toll-like receptor signaling, and cytokine signaling. Consistent with these findings, GCN suppressed the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA and inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in human type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Conclusions: Collectively, nano-encapsulation enhanced the stability and bioactivity of Cordyceps militaris-based extracts, suggesting that GCN may have potential as a functional food-derived candidate ingredient to protect airway epithelial cells against inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM and LPS. As this study was conducted using an in vitro A549 epithelial cell model, further validation in physiologically relevant systems is needed to confirm its translational applicability. Full article

P. massoniana is an important native economic and ecological tree species in southern China, where seasonal drought has emerged as a critical factor limiting its productivity. The SAUR gene family, recognized as core early auxin-responsive genes, plays a crucial role in balancing plant growth, development, and stress adaptation; however, research related to this family in conifers remains limited. Utilizing the chromosome-level genome of P. massoniana, this study identified 73 SAUR genes (PmSAUR1~73) through bioinformatics methods, systematically analyzing the physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and cis-acting elements. Combined with transcriptome sequencing and molecular experiments, the drought stress response patterns of these genes were further elucidated. The results indicated that PmSAUR genes predominantly encode alkaline proteins, primarily localized in mitochondria and nuclei, with an uneven distribution across nine chromosomes, where tandem duplication serves as the primary mechanism driving family expansion. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into seven subfamilies, which include both conserved clades homologous to angiosperms and branches specific to P. massoniana. All members contain the Auxin_inducible conserved domain, with motif1 identified as the core essential motif. Promoter regions were enriched with MeJA (methyl jasmonate)-responsive (56%), ABA-responsive, and drought stress-related cis-elements. Under drought stress, 38 PmSAUR genes exhibited diverse temporal expression patterns. Four key genes (PmSAUR14, PmSAUR28, PmSAUR54, and PmSAUR73), which are localized in the nucleus and exhibit high expression specifically in male cones or roots, were identified. These genes exhibit an expression pattern consistent with an auxin-negative response (i.e., repressed by IAA and induced by drought) and display a distinctive response pattern characterized by drought-induced upregulation coupled with IAA-mediated downregulation. This mechanism may contribute to the drought adaptation strategies of P. massoniana, involving regulatory processes for aboveground reproduction and adaptation of the underground root system. This study represents the first effort to elucidate the evolutionary characteristics and drought response patterns of the SAUR gene family in P. massoniana, thereby addressing the existing research gap regarding the functions of SAUR genes in coniferous trees. Furthermore, it offers candidate gene resources and theoretical support for the molecular breeding of stress resistance in P. massoniana. In addition, two auxin-induced SAUR genes (PmSAUR22 and PmSAUR37) were identified as contrasting examples, but the main focus of this study is on the four auxin-repressed genes. Full article

To overcome the limited high-temperature capability of silica-based fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and the accuracy degradation of gold-coated FBGs induced by residual stress, a temperature sensor based on a gold-coated FBG with high-temperature alloy packaging is proposed and fabricated. By introducing a high-temperature annealing pretreatment to the gold-coated fiber, residual stress is effectively relieved, enabling high-precision temperature measurement in high-temperature environments. Within the range of 20–800 °C, the annealed sensor achieves an accuracy of 0.72% F.S., a sensitivity of 9.65 pm/°C, and a linearity of 0.9997, in close agreement with theoretical predictions. After ambient vibration and high-temperature thermo-vibration tests, the maximum center wavelength shifts are 13 pm and 46 pm, corresponding to temperature variations of approximately 1.35 °C@24 °C and 4.77 °C@800 °C. These results demonstrate stable sensor performance under high-temperature testing conditions. In addition, a fitting formula applicable to different center wavelengths is proposed, significantly reducing calibration effort. The sensor features a simple structure, easy installation, and reliable performance, providing an effective solution for temperature sensing in extreme environments. Full article